I don't hunt much, so could count on one hand the number of times I've shot hunting without ear protection. Startled me a little. I've always used hearing protection at the range. If I'm indoors I double up.

Unfortunately I've been around machinery since I was a kid. I'm 40. I can hear my ears ringing right now, been that way as long as I can remember, well before I started shooting. My wife constantly reminds me to use my inside voice.